2 Samuel 3:29

Let it rest. Literally, “let it whirl [or, whirl about].” David here invokes a curse on Joab for his mean act of seeking personal revenge. The imprecation reveals David’s keen sense of justice and his bitter indignation against an individual guilty of so dastardly a deed. David had evidently given his word that the person of Abner would be inviolate. The action of Joab cast suspicion on David’s integrity. David wanted all to know that he had had no part in this perfidious deed and that he abhorred with all his soul such a violation of honor.

Father’s house. Abishai, Joab’s brother, had also taken part in the plot to assassinate Abner (v. 30); hence, he too was included in the curse. The imprecation went beyond these two men, to include their posterity. Ancient civil penalties often seem to involve more than those directly connected with the crime. The penalty for Achan’s sin fell upon his whole family (Joshua 7:22–26). Likewise in the judgment upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, not only they perished, but their wives and the children of Dathan and Abiram (Num. 16:27–33; see also 2 Kings 5:27). At times the children may have been involved in the crime of their parents (see on Joshua 7:15). At other times innocent children suffered for the obstinacy of their elders (see on Num. 16:27). In the present instance we do not know whether the curse pronounced by David was spoken under inspiration and hence whether it had any validity or any purpose beyond expressing David’s extreme vexation at the deed.

An issue. See Lev. 15:2.

Leaneth on a staff. Some translate, “a distaff holder,” and thus indicate an effeminate person fit only to do a woman’s work.

On the sword. Literally, “by a sword.”